Opposing coaches know it will take something special to get past the speed and skill of Endy, who anchors one of the state’s best defenses. Endy and her back-line teammates gave up only eight goals all season and shut out 10 teams. She also scored three goals and assisted on seven in a more offensive-minded senior season. The three-year starter helped lead the Skippers to a 35-8-10 record over that stretch and into the state tournament this week.

Endy’s look at the season:

Standout game: My best game of the season was definitely Minnetonka’s first game against Wayzata. I scored a goal off a free kick in regulation to tie the game and send it into overtime. In overtime, I scored another goal off a free kick and my team ended up winning 2-1.

Favorite memory of the season: Winning the section tournament and qualifying for state. The section final game was against Hopkins, a team who had knocked us out of sections each of the last two years. It was very rewarding and a lot of fun to celebrate with my team and finally have a first-place medal around our necks.

What did you do differently to make your season so successful: In the past, I have been content doing my job as a defender and allowing others to take charge in the attack. This year, I knew we would be strong in the back, which allowed me to push forward more than usual out of the back. I was able to generate offensive pressure and help our team score.

Pregame routine: I make sure I eat something healthy exactly three hours before game time. I also drink a lot of water throughout the day to make sure I’m properly hydrated. While I am getting ready, I blast music to get myself pumped up and excited. I make sure to get to the game at least an hour early for a pregame talk. After our team meeting, I lead the team in a warm-up along with my fellow captains.

Biggest challenge of the season: The last three games of the Lake Conference. Minnetonka was undefeated at that point and just needed to win one of these games to become conference champions. Unfortunately, we lost the first two games [and tied the last one]. It was hard to pick the team up after this disappointment and rally in time for sections.

Biggest surprise of the season: My team was not ranked in the preseason coaches’ poll, but after our quick start, winning our first four games, we made the coaches’ poll and were ranked No. 1. I knew my team would be good this year but thought it might take some time before we put it all together.